The Importance of Being Earnest
Olly Alexander & Stephen Fry star in the West End transfer of Wilde's masterpiece
Starting Thursday 18 September 2025
The National Theatre’s sold-out production of The Importance of Being Earnest transfers to the Noël Coward Theatre this Autumn, in a co-production with Sonia Friedman Productions.
Directed by Max Webster’s (Donmar’s Macbeth; Life of Pi) this joyful and flamboyant reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s ‘glittering masterpiece’ (Telegraph), is a hilarious story of identity, impersonation and romance.
Joining the previously announced Olly Alexander in the role of Algernon Moncrieff will be Nathan Stewart-Jarrett as Jack Worthing, Hugh Dennis as Reverend Canon Chasuble, Shobna Gulati as Miss Prism, Kitty Hawthorne as Gwendolen Fairfax, Jessica Whitehurst as Cecily Cardew, Hayley Carmichael as Merriman/Lane, and Stephen Fry as Lady Bracknell.
Being sensible can be excessively boring. At least Jack thinks so. While assuming the role of dutiful guardian in the country, he lets loose in town under a false identity.
Meanwhile, his friend Algy takes on a similar facade. Unfortunately, living a double life has its drawbacks, especially when it comes to love. Hoping to impress two eligible ladies, the gentlemen find themselves caught in a web of lies they must carefully navigate.
Limited season begins 18 September.
Run time
2hrs 45minsImportant Notice
Please note: Olly Alexander will not be performing on performances from Friday 7 to Thursday 13 November 2025.Venue Address
Nearest Tube Station
Nearest Train Station
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the runtime of The Importance of Being Earnest?
The runtime for The Importance of Being Earnest at Noel Coward Theatre is 2hrs 45mins.
What theatre is The Importance of Being Earnest playing at?
The Importance of Being Earnest is playing at Noel Coward Theatre, the address is St Martin's Lane, London,WC2N 4AU.
How to get to The Importance of Being Earnest?
The closest tube station to The Importance of Being Earnest is Leicester Square and the closest train station is Charing Cross.
When is The Importance of Being Earnest is playing until?
The Importance of Being Earnest is booking until Saturday 10 January 2026 at the Noel Coward Theatre.
How much does tickets for The Importance of Being Earnest cost?
Tickets for The Importance of Being Earnest start from £31.
Where can I buy tickets for The Importance of Being Earnest?
You can buy tickets for The Importance of Being Earnest on this page, by clicking on the "Find the best seat" button above.